It's clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers need help on both the offensive and defensive lines as well as in the cornerback department. There will need to be several adjustments in the 2023 offseason if the team wants to become more competitive in an extremely talented AFC.
It is usually expected that the organization stays conservative in free agency, but that was exactly the case a year ago when the front office spent more money bringing experienced guys in than ever before. One positional group that wasn't great in 2022 and is looking extremely light as of right now is inside linebacker.
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker, Myles Jack (#51) participates during the 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The only two players under contract for 2023 at the inside linebacker position are Myles Jack and 2022 seventh-round pick, Mark Robinson. There is no doubt that changes are coming to that area of the defense. Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette hosted a chat and the topic came up more than once. He was asked how optimistic he currently is about the team's situation on the defensive end with Jack and Robinson.
"Do I feel confident in a position group that generated one sack, zero forced fumbles, zero fumble recoveries and zero interceptions? No, no I do not. I don't know that I'd want to go the first-round route again. If the Devin Bush era taught me anything, it's that projecting ILBs from college to the NFL might be a challenge. But round two or three? I could probably be convinced."
Batko was very blunt in discussing the unit's performance over the course of the 2022 season. He continued and touched on the very real possibility that the Steelers target Terrell Edmunds' brother, Tremaine, in March.
"That Tremaine Edmunds idea would be my Plan A, though."
Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds lurks on the field during a regular season game against the New Orleans Saints at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA . | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The brothers are both heading into free agency and while Terrell is coming off of a one-year contract with Pittsburgh, it is certainly possible he returns after another consistent season alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick. Batko thinks that the Steelers could potentially have another set of brothers on the team, as has been a noticeable trend over the last couple of years.
"I could see both being here. It certainly would make sense for the Steelers' defense position-wise, and I assume those two would love to play together again. Just would be a matter of making it work financially, and I think Omar Khan could if he decides to prioritize ILB in free agency and use the draft to shore up other spots. Actually, I really like the idea a lot."
The key would be first-year General Manager, Omar Khan and if he wants to attack the inside linebacker position in free agency. If that ends up being the top concern in the next few months, he might just sign Terrell early on and use him as a recruiting tool to get his brother to town.
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 24: Director of Football & Business Operations Omar Khan of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sideline before a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field on August 24, 2013, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Chiefs defeated the Steelers 26-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
There is no doubt that the Steelers need a ton of help in the middle of the field defensively. Tremaine is a two-time Pro Bowler and has consistently been a part of great defenses with the Buffalo Bills. Batko seemingly shares the opinion of many fans, wanting to bring back Terrell and add his brother in 2023.
Would you want to see the Edmunds brothers play together for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
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